underground

[ˌʌndərˈɡraʊnd]

underground Definition

• 1. beneath the surface of the ground; below ground level
• 2. a group or movement organized secretly to work against an existing regime
• 3. a railway system that is built below the surface of the ground

Using underground: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "underground" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The underground bunker was designed to withstand a nuclear attack.

• Example

  The resistance movement operated underground to avoid detection by the authorities.

• Example

  The London Underground is one of the oldest and most extensive subway systems in the world.

underground Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for underground

• subterranean
• hidden
• secret
• clandestine
• covert
• resistance
• subway
• metro

Antonyms for underground

• aboveground
• overt
• open

Idioms Using underground

• dig underground

  to investigate or research something in depth, often in a secretive or clandestine manner

  Example

  The journalist spent months digging underground to uncover the corruption scandal.

• hit the underground

  to become popular or successful in the underground music scene

  Example

  Their debut album hit the underground and quickly gained a cult following.

• keep something underground

  to keep something secret or hidden from others

  Example

  The company tried to keep the layoffs underground to avoid negative publicity.

Phrases with underground

• go underground

  to become secret or hidden, especially in order to avoid arrest or persecution

  Example

  After the failed coup attempt, many of the plotters went underground to avoid being caught.

• underground music

  music that is not part of the mainstream commercial music industry

  Example

  The city has a thriving underground music scene with many local bands and venues.

• underground economy

  economic activity that is not regulated or taxed by the government

  Example

  The underground economy includes activities such as black market sales, bartering, and unreported income.

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Summary: underground in Brief

The term 'underground' [ˌʌndərˈɡraʊnd] can be used as an adjective or noun. As an adjective, it refers to something beneath the surface of the ground, such as an underground bunker. As a noun, it can refer to a group or movement organized secretly to work against an existing regime, or a railway system that is built below the surface of the ground, such as the London Underground. The phrase 'go underground' means to become secret or hidden, while 'underground music' refers to music that is not part of the mainstream commercial music industry.